Ella Walter
Roasted almonds are a delicious snack, but roasting them in an oven can be a tedious task. An air fryer is a great alternative to achieve the same result without the hassle. The air fryer's rapid circulation of hot air cooks and crisps the almonds, transforming them into a tasty treat. With just a few simple ingredients and a short cooking time, you can enjoy crunchy, addictive almonds that are perfect for snacking or adding to your favourite dishes. In this guide, we will explore the steps to roast raw almonds in an air fryer, the various seasonings you can experiment with, and the benefits of using an air fryer over a traditional oven.
How to cook raw almonds in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 300° F - 350° F (180° C) |
| Time | 5 minutes, then shake the basket and continue cooking for 3-5 minutes, checking every minute |
| Layer | Single |
| Basket fill | Not overfilled |
| Oil | Olive oil, melted butter, or coconut oil |
| Salt | Fine sea salt, kosher salt, or Himalayan pink salt |
| Spices | Garlic powder, smoked paprika, white pepper, chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes |
| Calories | 103-319 kcal |
| Storage | Airtight jar or container at room temperature |
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What You'll Learn
How to roast raw almonds in an air fryer
Roasted almonds are a delicious snack and can be easily made in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to roast raw almonds in an air fryer:
Step 1: Prepare the Almonds
Start by ensuring that your almonds are fresh and raw. Spread them out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It is important not to overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 320-350°F (160-180°C). Some sources suggest preheating for 2 minutes, while others advise against preheating as it may burn the almonds.
Step 3: Cook the Almonds
Place the air fryer basket into the preheated air fryer and cook the almonds for 5 minutes. Then, remove the basket and give it a good shake to stir the almonds. Return the basket to the air fryer and continue cooking, checking every minute, until they are done to your liking. The total cooking time will depend on your desired level of doneness and the specifics of your air fryer, but it should take around 6-8 minutes.
Step 4: Season the Almonds (Optional)
Once the almonds are roasted to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool. You can season the almonds before or after roasting, depending on your preference. For a basic seasoning, toss the almonds with olive oil, melted butter, or coconut oil, and a pinch of salt. You can also get creative with seasonings like garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, sugar, or lemon pepper.
Step 5: Serve or Store
Once the almonds are cooled and seasoned to your liking, they are ready to be served! If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Properly stored roasted almonds will stay fresh for months.
Roasting almonds in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enhance their flavour and texture. With a few simple steps, you can enjoy delicious, crispy, and healthy roasted almonds as a snack or topping for your favourite dishes.
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How to season raw almonds before air frying
Roasting almonds in an air fryer enhances their flavour and texture. The heat causes a chemical reaction that releases essential oils, producing a rich, toasty flavour profile. Roasting can also enhance the health benefits of almonds by bringing out their antioxidants and nutrients.
To season raw almonds before air frying, start by preheating your air fryer to 270°F (130°C). Preheating is essential for even roasting. If you're using unsalted almonds and want to add some flavour, you can soak them in a bowl of water for about 30 minutes. This step is optional but helps create a nice crunch once roasted. After soaking, drain the almonds and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Next, place the almonds in a mixing bowl and drizzle olive oil over them, tossing until they are evenly coated. The oil is optional but it enhances the flavour and helps spices adhere to the nuts.
Now it's time to add your seasonings. You can use any spices you like, as long as you end up with about one to two tablespoons. Some suggestions include:
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- White pepper
- Cinnamon
- Curry powder
- Lemon pepper
- Za'atar
- Cajun spice mix
Stir well to ensure every almond is coated. Place the seasoned almonds in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the basket doesn't get overcrowded so that the heat can circulate around each nut.
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How to store raw almonds after air frying
To cook raw almonds in an air fryer, spread the almonds in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 180C/350F for 5 minutes. Give the basket a good shake and continue cooking, checking every minute until they are done. You can also cook at 300° F for 6 to 8 minutes, shaking every 2 minutes. The almonds are done when they are crunchy on the outside and a little chewy in the middle.
Now, for storing these roasted almonds, it is important to note that roasting nuts decreases their susceptibility to turning rancid. Almonds can go rancid due to the presence of omega-3 and monounsaturated fats, which can be prevented by roasting. Here are some ways to store your roasted almonds:
- Room temperature: Store the almonds in an airtight jar or container. They will stay fresh for months. However, be aware that storing almonds in the cupboard can lead to staleness and a bad taste in a few months.
- Refrigerator: Storing almonds in the refrigerator will help them last longer than at room temperature and will also keep them from being too cold when you want a quick snack.
- Freezer: Roasted almonds can be stored in the freezer for up to a year. Keep them in plastic airtight containers, plastic freezer bags, or vacuum bags to prevent freezer burn and the formation of ice crystals.
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How to prevent raw almonds from burning in an air fryer
To prevent raw almonds from burning in an air fryer, spread them out in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is room for hot air to circulate. It is also recommended to shake the basket or stir the almonds halfway through the cooking time to prevent them from burning.
Different recipes suggest cooking the almonds for varying amounts of time, but generally, they should be cooked for around 5-8 minutes at 180°C/350°F, or until golden brown. It is important to keep a close eye on the almonds while they are cooking, as they can go from almost done to burnt very quickly. Check on them every minute after the first 5 minutes of cooking, and taste one to see if they are done. They should be crispy and a few shades darker both inside and out when they are ready.
If you are using an Actifry air fryer, you should check the almonds for doneness after around 12 minutes, and they will likely take 10-12 minutes to cook.
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How to tell when raw almonds are done in an air fryer
To tell when raw almonds are done in an air fryer, look out for the following signs:
- The almonds should be a few shades darker than when they were raw.
- They should smell nutty.
- They should be crunchy on the outside and a little chewy in the centre.
- They should be crispy and darker both inside and out.
If you're unsure, take one out and bite into it. If it's still chewy, the almonds are not done yet. They will continue to cook from residual heat while cooling in the bowl, so let them cool down and check again. If they are still chewy, put them back in the air fryer for another minute or two.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 10-15 minutes to cook raw almonds in an air fryer. However, it is recommended to check on them after 5 minutes and then every minute after that, as almonds can go from almost done to burnt very quickly.
The air fryer should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius.
The almonds are done when they are a few shades darker and have a strong nutty smell. They should be crunchy on the outside and a little chewy in the middle. If they are still chewy after cooling, they are not done.
Allow the almonds to cool completely, then store them in an airtight jar or container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for months.
Yes, you can add various seasonings to the almonds such as salt, cinnamon, sugar, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or other spice blends.
